JVM-P to support Cong, RJD in bypolls

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) on Sunday pulled out of the assembly bypoll race by announcing to support Congress and RJD in Godda and Panki on May 16.
This despite the fact that JVM-P enjoys a strong support base in both the assembly segments, claimed party chief Babulal Marandi on Sunday.
Marandi said the party decided against fielding their own candidate to make way for the victory of the opposition parties."JVM-P's support to Congress and RJD will strengthen the secular forces against the BJP. The unity of the opposition will result in the victory of the two parties," he added.
Buoyant after its win in the recently concluded Lohardaga bypoll, Congress claimed it would win the Panki seat as well. In 2014, the party had won the seat with a slim margin.
State party chief Sukhdeo Bhagat said, "JVM-P's support is crucial to us. It will strengthen our position and make the victory certain."
Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the Panki seat. The party has empowered Bhagat and legislative party leader Alamgir Alam to select the candidates.
A source in the party, however, said, "Bittu Singh, 35, son of late Videsh Singh is the frontrunner for the ticket to the seat. His name is likely to be announced soon." Singh had led the campaign of his father's election in 2014.
RJD is likely to field former Godda MLA Sanjay Prasad Yadav from Godda, though a formal announcement is yet to be made. State party chief Gautam Rana said, "The support of JVM-P is important for us."
The party has also sought Congress's help in Godda. "If Congress supports us in Godda, we will support them in Panki," said a senior RJD leader, on conditions of anonymity. The final decision, however, rests with RJD chief Lalu Prasad.